NFCR welcomes two new Board of Directors

Rockville, MD – July 18, 2024

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) announced new Board of Directors members today who both have been long-term supporters of the organization: Silas Deane, Vice President, Tyler Technologies, and Dr. Padmakumar Kaimal, previous Vice President of Technology Alliance & Business Development at Suven Life Sciences. The areas of expertise and leadership they bring to NFCR signify a pivotal moment for the organization working to advance the mission of providing new areas of hope and solutions for cancer patients worldwide.

Silas Deane has extended expertise in technology, healthcare, government relations, and communications. His diverse career path includes working with U.S. Senator and Vice President Al Gore, Jr., and leadership roles at Tyler Technologies (NYSE: TYL), VendEngine, Inc., Logic Media Group, and the International Microelectronics Packaging Society. 

Deane founded VendEngine, Inc. to assist public safety officials while supporting incarcerated individuals and their families with real-time data and a safe system that improved staff effectiveness and transparency. The company was acquired in 2021 for $84 million by Tyler Technologies, where he currently serves as Vice President, driving new innovation and growth in the public safety arena. Deane, recognized by Deloitte & Touche in 2020 as growing one of the Top 300 Fastest Growing Technology Companies in North America along with numerous awards for his entrepreneurial achievements, will now bring invaluable expertise to one of the most complex problem-solving and sustainable business models as NFCR continues to lead in the fight against cancer.

“As we learn more and more, it is increasingly evident that the fight against cancer is such a complicated one that is going to continue to take tremendous effort and research to win this battle. I am deeply honored to join the Board of Directors at NFCR and believe that continued investment in research is the key to unlocking the mystery. NFCR has already played a huge role in the success against cancer, and I am proud to be a part of that next chapter in the fight,” says Deane.

“Silas’s creative mindset and innovative approach to technology and business development make him an exceptional addition to our Board. We look forward to working with him to broaden our brand visibility as we consistently seek out new ways to beat cancer,” says Dr. Sujuan Ba, the President and CEO at NFCR.

Dr. Padmakumar Kaimal’s academic credentials and industrial experience are exemplary. He has worked in the pharmaceutical and contract manufacturing industries for more than 30 years. Before his retirement, he served as Vice President of Technology Alliance & Business Development at Suven Life Science, successfully expanding the U.S. business from $200,000 in 2003 to $80 million in 2023. Additionally, he has contributed to over 34 scientific publications and holds four patents, highlighting his innovative contributions to the medicinal chemical synthesis field. Dr. Kaimal currently advises biotech and pharmaceutical companies on their CDMO processes, with his extensive knowledge and expertise.

“It is an absolute privilege to be part of advancing the NFCR mission. Throughout my career, I have seen the incredible strides that can be made through dedicated research and collaboration between scientists. Joining NFCR leadership allows me to contribute to a mission that not only aligns with my professional background but also my personal goal of improving patient outcomes and driving forward scientific breakthroughs in cancer research. I look forward to working with the team to advance NFCR’s impactful initiatives and make a real difference that will shape the future of cancer research,” says Dr. Kaimal.

“Kumar’s impressive background in pharmaceutical process research and business development, combined with his successful track record in growing business at Suven, makes him a great addition to our Board. We look forward to leveraging his knowledge and experience to help advance many of the innovations supported by NFCR,” says Dr. Sujuan Ba.

“I am thrilled to welcome Mr. Silas Deane and Dr. Padmakumar Kaimal to our Board of Directors. Their extensive and diverse expertise in business development, technology, science, and healthcare will bring invaluable perspectives to our leadership team. Their unique insights and vast experiences in their respective fields will undoubtedly enhance NFCR’s strategic initiatives and accelerate our progress in cancer research and patient care. The addition of Deane and Kaimal strengthens our ability to collaborate across various sectors and drive organizational growth,” says Dr. Alfred Slanetz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NFCR.

We look forward to working with Deane and Dr. Kaimal in their new capacities as the new members of the board driving innovation and expanding our impact on the journey of fighting against cancer.

About NFCR:

The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization co-founded in 1973 by Nobel Laureate Dr. Albert Szent-Györgyi and Attorney/Business Entrepreneur Franklin Salisbury, Sr. NFCR provides scientists in the lab with the critical seed funding they need to make game-changing discoveries in cancer detection, treatments, prevention, and ultimately, a cure for all cancers.  NFCR has distinguished itself in the cancer research sector by emphasizing “high-risk, high-impact” long-term and transformative pioneering research fields often overlooked by other major funding sources.  With the support of more than 5.3 million individual donors over the last 50+ years, NFCR has provided more than $415 million in funding to cancer research, prevention, and public education.  NFCR-supported research has led to some of the most significant life-saving discoveries that benefit patients today.  For more information, please visit www.nfcr.org.